Holiday House ::: Portugal - Why Portugal

Why Portugal?

It's peaceful... according to the 2013 Global Peace Index, Portugal is the 18th most peaceful country in the world (the UK is 44th), with one of the lowest crime rates in Europe. Lisbon was recently voted the safest capital city in Europe!

Open space. Portugal has one of the lowest population densities in Europe, so even the major cities are not overcrowded and there is plenty of space for all to enjoy.

Life is good. Portugal has a laid-back culture of enjoying the simple things in life... good food, good wine, good company, sport, leisure, and plenty of stunning natural beauty.

High living standards. That life is good in Portugal is without doubt! Lisbon has climbed in terms of high living standards, according to the Mercer Quality of Living Survey, placing it above cities such as Milan, Tokyo, Rome and Madrid.

It cares about its natural environment. For many years, Portugal has developed the country's renewable resources. It has considerable wind and river power, the two most cost-effective renewable resources. The rivers and reservoirs double up as excellent water sports facilities!

Unspoilt countryside... both now and in the future. The Portuguese Government enforces strict planning rules to ensure the beaches and countryside remain unspoilt... so you can be sure your enjoyment of the country won't be tainted by hundreds of horrible modern developments all around you.

A low cost of living (very low inland). Living costs, including food, drinks and transport, are relatively low compared to most other European countries.

The climate is unbeatable. Expect long, hot summer days cooled by fresh Atlantic breezes, and extremely pleasant mild winters. Short bursts of rain ensure that the landscape stays lush and green all year round, especially in the centre and north.

Portugal is one of the world's top golfing destinations, with more than fifty world-class golf courses built or under construction. There is probably nowhere else in the world that caters better to your golfing needs.

A reliable public transport system. Getting around the country is safe, easy and pleasant, as public transport by road or rail is safe, reliable and affordable. Most non-motorway roads are ideal for cycling.

International and internal flights are very cost-effective. With flight times of less than three hours from the UK, a great choice of three major airports (Porto, Lisbon and Faro) and low-cost airlines such as Easyjet and Ryanair as well as many national flag-carriers, the whole of Portugal is closer than you might think, and overall, very affordable. For stays of more than a few days, or with a car full of people, it is often cheaper to drive, which from England will only involve one overnight stop in the south of France.

Easy, quick access to and from the rest of Europe. From Portugal, Southern and Central Europe are very easily accessible, so you can explore even more as you travel.

No language barriers. Many Portuguese residents speak English, so you won't have to struggle with language barriers. Furthermore, despite what some may say, Portuguese is actually not that difficult to learn, being based on Latin and therefore quite similar to Spanish, French, Italian, and Romanian. And once you've mastered it, the others will be easy!

A place to call your temporary home - the Portuguese people are truly friendly and hospitable. Especially off the tourist track, you will feel completely welcome and at home as soon as you arrive.